‘Punch-the-air good, this is the Edwardian heist novel you never knew you needed. Flawless, lawless fun’

Kiran Millwood Hargrave

‘My lords, ladies and gentlemen, I think you will love The Housekeepers by Alex Hay. It’s a heist caper set in Edwardian London – imagine Ocean’s 8 had an illegitimate baby with Fingersmith – a big fat diamond of a book, sharp and shiny, joyful and generous, intricately plotted and featuring an ingenious use for a trapeze’

Erin Kelly

‘A glamourous, fast-paced historical heist novel that kept me hooked ‘til the last page. The strong, determined and memorable female characters pull you into their web of intrigue – it’s so much fun’

Jennifer Saint

‘Meet the most likeable group of criminals since Robin Hood’s merry men. The Housekeepers is a treasure trove of contradictions: fast-paced but thoughtful, vengeful but compassionate, satisfying but completely unpredictable. Alex Hay has written a deliciously clever novel that will place you in the finest homes and meanest streets of 1905 London. Prepare to grow hungrier for justice with every page you turn – you’ll never have so much fun cheering on grand larceny’

Nina de Gramont, New York Times bestselling author of The Christie Affair

‘A rollicking romp of a book, tinged with fury, sadness and mischievous delight’

Claire North

‘Fun, fast-paced and totally immersive, The Housekeepers is a rare jewel worth coveting. Combining vivid characterisation, irresistible historical detail and a rip-roaring plot, it’s a hugely enjoyable heist novel that delivers on every page. Sensational!’

Emma Stonex

‘I cannot tell you how much fun you’ll have with this book. A riotous, explosive mashup of Bridgerton and the Ocean's films, with perfectly drawn characters. Glorious’

Bobby Palmer

‘Alex Hay's debut, The Housekeepers, is rollicking fun and entirely original: an upstairs-downstairs premise set in Edwardian London, but with an Ocean’s Eleven-like heist at its core. Readers will find themselves rooting for the cunning Mrs. King and her peculiar cast of co-conspirators as they scheme their way through a daring plan. Fans of Downton Abbey – and anyone who relishes a good party gone wrong – will devour this’

Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary

‘This book is exquisitely crafted, tiny, subtle movements; small, sparkling revelations, leading to the big bang at the end. It's a tense book but Hay is a deft hand at relieving pressure without giving away the entire game.

A study in craftsmanship, the author clearly knows his subject – the period, with all its mechanical inventions/contraptions, conventions, hypocrisies and social mores. I'll miss these resourceful, cunning ladies, the strength of their sisterhood (both literal and figurative) and their collective pursuit of freedom. I badly needed them to win and cheered myself hoarse by the end’

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